VV8.21

Things Have Definitely Changed
By: Liz Breier / This & That
Now that many of us feel comfortable going
out and about, especially without masks, I
often hear “things are back to normal.” To me –
No, they are not!
A recent trip to the dentist for basic hygiene reminded me that some
venues still require masks, and of course, I did not have one with me.
I wasn’t sure of the purpose since I spent nearly an hour in a chair
with my mouth wide open for all the germs to escape or enter at their
pleasure.
I assume everyone is aware that masks are still required on airline
flights. What a joy sitting with that on for hours.
Then there is the situation with services. Waiters are still wearing
masks in some restaurants, but not others. Speaking of dining out,
the service is generally deplorable and when I questioned why, I was
advised that they just cannot get enough help.
I always enjoyed getting out early and getting to the store before they
got too busy, but now, most (that are still in business) don’t even open
until 11:00 am. I recall when 10:00 was the standard.
We used to enjoy going to dinner and then window shopping (which
of course included entering the business establishments) to make
purchases. Well, if I want to continue that tradition, I have to eat extra
early because I find many local shops are now closed by 7:00 pm. Gone
are the days of 9:00 pm or even 10:00 pm closures.
Many TV news
and interview
shows used to
include several
individuals on
the set. Postpandemic
(if we
are even there
yet) I have to get
used to watching
individuals on
a “split screen”
because they are
afraid to get into
the same studio. It
is just not the same as the face-to-face interaction and comradery of
on-air personalities.
Yes, in some ways we can say our lives have returned to “normal”,
but it is a new normal. One that will take some getting used to is to
stop longing for the way things used to be (just a year and a half ago)
because it seems that is not likely to happen any time soon - if ever.
Liz Breier is an ex-New Yorker who retired to Florida for 24 years
before deciding that Nevada means home to her. You can contact
Liz at: bluesky090372@gmail.com.
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